Conforming

Twelve years ago, I remember asking an older friend who was mature in faith if becoming more like Jesus meant we all become more and more alike, losing our individual personalities.  I wasn’t sure what it meant to look like Jesus in my current milieu and culture; I couldn’t imagine Jesus in blue jeans. There were plenty of Christians that I didn’t want to be like back then – fake, plastic, and boring.  But I didn’t like who I was either, and I wasn’t sure who I wanted to become. 

In the passing years, God has shown me that the calling to become more Christ-like is not a call to conformity.  We keep our personalities and uniqueness, but the Spirit works on our inner being.  When Paul states in Romans 8:29 that we are predestined to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus, we are conforming not merely outwardly, but inwardly.  It’s not about putting on a good act and having people admire your strength in adversity. It’s about being real as you abide in Jesus.

Whatever is inside is going to seep out through the cracks.  My internal struggles involve a critical spirit, negative thinking patterns, and fear.  I may think they are hidden, but they ooze out in my words and actions.  For a while, I was certain they were just a part of my melancholic personality and wasn’t sure if I wanted to let go of them.  Would I still have something to write about? Talk about? Would I still be able to analyze and evaluate effectively? I see now that the answer is a resounding yes – I can actually do those things even better if I fight them.  And not just fight them but replace them with encouragement, positive self-talk, and dependence on Christ for strength. Another force in me, whether it be my flesh or satan, is opposing the changes, so the progress is gradual.

I see a little more clearly than I did twelve years ago.  There are many beautiful women in my church today that I would love to be more like – each with different  personalities and that reflect various Christ-like characteristics, manifested in different ways.  They are each in the process of becoming who they are destined to be, and they are real enough to let me see it. Christ is much more multi-faceted than we could ever imagine!

The Gospel for Real Life – Book Review

Do you ever find yourself feeling complacent when you hear the Gospel and wish you could restore the freshness of its meaning?  Or maybe you are a new believer trying to grasp the significance of the cross?  Whether you are a new believer or an experienced one, in The Gospel for Real Life: Turn to the Liberating Power of the Cross…Every Day, Jerry Bridges explains how the Gospel applies to your life every single day. 

 

The author first starts with the bad news.  If you thought you weren’t that bad of a sinner or that you don’t sin every single day, the author is quick to prove you wrong.  It is against the backdrop of understanding the depth of your sin and then the awareness of the vast contrast with the holiness of God that you can fully understand the meaning and significance of the cross.    The author illuminated this point in such a way to cause me to question myself – I knew my good deeds would not save me, but am I now trusting in them somehow to make myself more acceptable?

Then the author delivers the good news.  The Gospel DOES result in forgiveness and eternal life, but it also includes the inheritance you can currently grasp right here on earth.  God wants you to enjoy His “unsearchable riches,” in the middle of life and all its difficulties.  The benefits of the Gospel are available not just in your initial salvation but in your day-to-day acceptance of it throughout life.

Intimidating theological terms (propitiation, expiation, progressive sanctification, etc.) are explained without feeling like a systematic theology primer.  He uses common life illustrations to help the reader grasp the full meaning.  He goes further to display the importance of the concepts of these terms and how they are about living out your faith, not just knowledge you hold in your head.  The book concludes with how you become the person you are becoming and your calling to share the Gospel with others. The study guide at the back would be great for either personal Bible study or small groups with much opportunity for discussion and application.    

I loved this book immensely! It enriched the meaning of the cross for me and pushed me to think hard about my faith and the Holy Spirit’s work in me.  Even more, I learned how I have failed to grasp all that I am entitled to through Christ and am opening my eyes to what it means to become partakers and beneficiaries of all He did in both His life and death. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

My Top 5 Favorite Reasons





At this very moment, here are my top five favorite reasons

why Jesus Christ suffered and died:

1.     To show that the worst evil is meant by God for good.

2.     To take away our condemnation.

3.     To enable us to live for Christ and not ourselves.

4.     To show the wealth of God's love and grace for sinners.

5.     To free us from bondage and fear of death.

As I contemplate the depth of the meaning of the cross and reflect on its significance in my life, I am certain my top five will change! For 45 other reasons, check out John Piper's book The Passion of Jesus Christ: 50 Reasons Why He Came to Die.  (Read it for free at: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/online-books/fifty-reasons-why-jesus-came-to-die). 

Photo from  http://freeartisticphotos.com

Joyful Pain or Painful Joy

Having suffered the birth pangs of labor (bearing two precious children) as well as the severe pain of appendicitis and kidney stones (bearing nothing precious at all), pain is not a stranger to me.   In fact, dull and annoying pain is my unwelcome companion more days than not, and I attempt to cope by complaining.  Every couple months or so, my companion of pain will suddenly attack for a 3-5 hour episode that leaves me rolling on the floor and begging for mercy. 

Only in the times of the worst pain do I find myself desperately crying out to God.  Recently, I found that one way of coping is to take my eyes off my pain and focus on bringing the hurt of others before His throne.  Friends who are experiencing grief because of loss or facing difficult times come to mind.  The momentary mental diversion serves as a reminder to me that the world is bigger than me at that moment, and while my pain is temporary, others suffer more for much longer.  And it does not EVEN begin to compare to the physical suffering Jesus endured on the cross, not to mention the spiritual and emotional suffering He had to endure simultaneously.

According to Romans 8:23-24, “all of creation groans as in the pains of childbirth” and “we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”  I am never alone in my pain, and while I await the redemption of my body, I can redeem the time of pain as a time of prayer. 

R.C. Sproul claims that “the cumulative pain of every disease was laid on Him. He bore in His body that the ravages of every evil, every sickness, and every pain known to the human race” (Surprised by Suffering, p. 14).  I wonder if pain would be more bearable if we really believed it was not senseless, but had a meaningful purpose.  Perhaps it is a way I can participate in His suffering.  There IS a beauty in finding fellowship with Him in pain.  Recent memories of severe episodes of pain are framed with the sweetness of God’s presence and comfort.

 

Photo from  http://freeartisticphotos.com

The Benefits of Sin?

A friend of mine hates Christianity because it is a ‘guilt-ridden’ religion.  But it is completely the opposite!  However, in my worst week of the month, my sin is always before me. If I don’t take my thoughts captive, they will beat me to a pulp.  I know this is not the Holy Spirit’s intention in convicting me! 

Strangely, I AM grateful for the times that I am aware of my sinfulness.  Why? 4 reasons:

1)       Greater awareness of our sinfulness is actually a sign of spiritual growth.  As we become more aware of God’s goodness, holiness, and perfectness, the things that are wrong in our lives grow uglier by contrast.  The Spirit slowly reveals our sins when He believes we are ready to deal with them.  Even if I feel like I sin more than I did 20 years ago, if I had a sinfulness meter, surely I sin less now than I did then?  Because of grace, I have no need for a sinfulness meter or to allow my sin to burden me.

2)       My sin is a continual reminder to me that I am always in need of the cross.  Jesus lived a perfect life for my righteousness and died a perfect death for my sins.  When I hear the gospel, it is for me, right now -- not just for unbelievers or those who have just stepped through the door to begin their journey as a Christ follower.  The gospel is for me, today, 34 years after I first received it. It is as powerful in my life now as when I first became His child.

3)       I am reminded of His amazing grace and the freedom I experience as a result. The Father sees Jesus in me and He sees me as perfect.  He is transforming me so that someday on the other side of this life, I WILL be perfect.  There is no amount of striving I can do to make myself more acceptable to Him.  Yet because of the grace, freedom, and love that come from Him, I want to follow His ways and love Him with my whole being.

4)       When other people make mistakes, cause accidents, or upset me, I realize that I am not faultless either.  In fact, only by the grace of God I stand, and I can offer others mercy and forgiveness because I have already received it in the fullest measure.

I will get to enjoy these benefits of my sinfulness on this side of heaven, but on the other side I will be perfected and enjoy all the benefits without it!

"Max on Life" - Book Review

My teenage daughter has asked questions like “why would a loving God send people to hell?” and “is it awful that I don’t look forward to Jesus coming back until I get married and have children?”  I was delighted to find simple yet satisfying answers that my children and friends ask about God’s ways and how we should live in Max Lucado’s book  Max on Life.  

This book is a compilation of 172 questions asked of the author throughout his life in his pastoral and writing ministry, encompassing a wide range of topics from general and light-hearted to specific and thought-provoking. Questions are divided into seven categories that include topics such as God’s character and ways, pain and suffering, spiritual growth, relationships, parenting, finances, and the afterlife.  A topical index is included in the back of the book for quick reference.  The author’s answers fill one page or less, yet are specific, succinct, and easily understandable through his use of illustrations.  His responses, supported by Scripture, are permeated with acceptance and love and are never harsh or judgmental. 

I read this book from cover to cover, but I recommend thumbing through it and using it more as a reference book.  It is not scholarly or deeply theological but presents the truth with plenty of Scriptural support.  Whether you are a Max Lucado fan or not, this book is different than his other writings (fewer fragmented sentences) while retaining his voice and personality.  I recommend this enjoyable and useful book to parents, teachers, people with inquisitive minds, or people who know people who have inquisitive minds about God’s ways and want to be able to give loving and concise answers. 

To comply with regulations by the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255, I am disclosing that BookSneeze® provided me a complimentary copy of this book.  I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

"Unleashed" - Book Review

Rather than living a long life, are you willing to live a life worth living?  Are you willing to lose everything on God’s behalf to gain everything He desires for you?  Erwin Raphael McManus presents these and other thought-provoking questions in his book Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within.  Using the biblical examples of John the Baptist and Peter, and the ultimate example of Jesus, he shows what it means to live the barbarian life.  He sprinkles the book with illustrations about his daughter Mariah, who is a full-fledged barbarian of beauty (displayed on the cover of the book exhibiting the essence of the title).

The author, a first-generation Christian who wasn’t raised according to all the ‘rules’, fights the Christian cliché “the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.”  Instead, he argues that it is a dangerous and costly place to be.  God’s will for us is not about our comfort.  Nor is it a cattle call for us to live the same kind of life as everyone else.  His desire is not to conform us but transform us, not to make us compliant but to make us creative, and not to domesticate us but to liberate us.

The “civilized” faith is ritualistic, safe, reasonable, routine, stable, follows requirements, keeps people in line, focuses on being a good citizen, and follows the letter of the law.  The barbarian life is courageous, sacrificial, visionary, intimate, passionate, loving, challenging, mysterious, risky, listens to the voice of the Spirit, experiences God, focuses on a mission, and lives the spirit of the law.  All that we are meant to do is through the outward flowing of faith, hope and love.

For me, this book was refreshing, revitalizing, and inspiring! It is thought-provoking as well as entertaining and easy to read in a sitting or two.  After reading this book, I found it easier to embrace my quirky self and to stop trying to be what everyone else wants or expects me to be.  Instead my focus is to be guided by the footprints of Jesus. We are supposed to do whatever Jesus calls us to do the moment it is clear to us. I want to be a barbarian!

To comply with regulations by the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255, I am disclosing that BookSneeze® provided me a complimentary copy of this book.  I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

More on Fear of Being Undignified

The Bible is always relevant and applicable to my needs, but I am awed when God places other books in my life and words from wise Christ followers that supplement what He is trying to show me.  

I just finished reading a book that connected with my previous posting "Fear of Being Undignified".  Erwin McManus explains how we resist love to avoid pain and squelch our dreams out of fear of failure.  When we turn our hearts toward God, all of our fears are consumed by one fear - the fear of God only.

He also says that what we fear is what we are subject to.  Our fears define our master.  Where there is no fear, there is no control.  When we fear God, we in essence begin to live a life where we are fearless. If we are to be like Jesus, we must always risk for love.  We are invited to follow Him with reckless abandon.

I would rather be undignified in expressing love than for my heart to grow cold and uncaring. I want to have only one fear.

Book review to follow soon! 

Fear of Being Undignified

Why do I often suppress the warm sentiments in my heart? Maybe I fear that I will be thought of as silly, or maybe the impression is far from mutual.  It’s easier and safer to stay inside my shell.

During my “best” week of the monthly hormonal cycle, I am more likely to shower people with appreciation and affection.  Sometimes I later feel ridiculous, ignored or rejected.  I started practicing holding back and letting the feelings wane. 

A few months ago, a new friend entered my life – or at least I thought of her as such. During my best week, I drafted an email expressing my appreciation for God bringing her into my life and the encouragement she offered as we raised teenage daughters.  However, I decided to sit on the draft for a couple days to see if I thought it was silly a couple days later.  Sure enough, my heart chilled and I did not want to take the risk of exposing myself. 

What did I miss? The following month, I sent a much milder form of appreciation along with a matter of business.  She sent me a gushing response that left me feeling incredibly blessed. 

This morning, I took an impulsive, tentative, yet tiny leap to express a thought on my heart to a fellow co-worker and my prayers for his family.  As a result, I learned how God is dramatically working in his and his wife’s life.  A rush of memories of a time in my life when God called me to radical change flooded my soul (the 4^th echo this week – a subject for a separate posting!).  Hearing the passion to follow hard after Jesus re-ignited the fire in my heart, too.

By protecting myself inside the cocoon, what have I been missing? Pain? Blessing? Both? Is the risk worth it?

Michal chastised David for his indignity, and his response was “…I will celebrate before the Lord.  I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” (2 Samuel 6:21-22).  He exposed the affection of His heart in worship to God, and was ridiculed by his wife in return.  Yet, to him, it was worth the price.  And God was delighted.

How often have I chosen sensibility and dignity over expressing my heart? Is protecting my ego from rejection or humiliation worth the cost of missing out on being used by God and allowing His goodness to be displayed? 

How much pain am I willing to risk?  Fear is one of my worst enemies.

Oh, how I want to become even more undignified than this! 

Love Written in Stone - Book Review

What happens when God is not in His rightful place in my life?  The underlying theme in Philip Carlson’s book Love Written in Stone is to show that God has a purpose in every law He provided.  He desires to protect our relationships with Him and each other as well as protecting ourselves and preventing damage.  

The purpose of the book is to evaluate aspects of the best possible life using scientific discoveries to show God’s kindness in giving us instructions by which to live.  He explains the reason for addictions, loneliness, isolation, and guilt, and cites scientific evidence (for the not-too-scientifically minded) to demonstrate that God’s ways and obedience to Him are the most healthy and happy way to live.  The book divides God’s instructions into four categories: our relationship with Him, our relationships with others (sexuality, commitment, sense of belonging, parenting), caring for ourselves (wellness, effects of sin, importance of rest), and our relationship to creation. 

The author presents a fresh definition for me of the word “sin.”  Sin is “any departure from life as God intends it” and is “plunging over the guard rail God has erected to keep us from falling into great peril physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”  When we follow God’s commands, we are pushed out of an ego-centric life into loving others sacrificially and into things that really matter. 

Overall, this book was easy to read.  The book didn’t feel much like a scientific approach, likely because the author presumed his audience did not consist of scientists. The non-scientist does not need be intimidated by the ‘science’ of this book because it is not bogged down with citations, theories, data, or analyses. 

When I selected this book to read, I thought it would answer my questions on which of God’s laws are applicable to me today and the meaning behind the strange and obscure commands; however, these issues were not addressed.  I found mixed messages throughout the book, and at one point I was given the understanding that obeying God’s ways would lead to a happy and safe life, only to discover in later chapters that the author means the “best possible life”, even though discipleship is actually costly and the road is not easy. Despite my confusion,  presuppositions, and differing opinion on occasion, I found this book a delight to read.

The epilogue was my favorite chapter that wrapped up the entire message of the book.  Our purpose is to glorify God, become what He created us to be, and to engage in kingdom-building activity.  We find the greatest contentment, fullness, and joy when we know that we are doing what we were created to do.  Ultimately, the reader will see that God’s commands are not just means of God controlling us or keeping us from having fun, but ways He guides us to the best life and to see ourselves how God sees us. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a book review.